Education

High School Education

Master of Education (M.Ed.): Initial Licensure Program

Empower students to build skills for lifetime success.

High school is an exciting and sometimes daunting time for students, as they start to think ahead to college and careers. As a grades 8-12 teacher, you can make a positive impact on their path to adulthood using strategies and skills that will encourage success.

REGISTER: M.Ed. in Education Virtual Information Session

In this program, you'll focus on one of eight content areas.* You’ll investigate aspects of adolescent development in the areas of language, memory, sensory perception, emotion, and attention. Develop instructional units and effective teaching strategies. Discover how project-based collaborative learning can engage students in meaningful explorations. 

You'll explore best practices for instruction and assessment, and learn how to work with diverse student populations, including English language learners. Learn the importance of equity and social justice, which are woven throughout your study. Throughout, you'll bring creativity and self-reflection to all you do, working with your faculty to co-construct new knowledge and practices.

At the end of your program, you can practice your newfound skills in a high school classroom through an immersive student teaching experience (teacher residencies fulfill this requirement at the residency site). 

Then, with the skills needed for a rewarding career, you'll graduate from the university that educates more teachers than anyone else in New England. In fact, more than 4,500 people have earned a teaching degree here in just the last five years. You'll emerge knowing that you have the degree you need to land the career you're passionate about. That's because employers in Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, saying that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. 

*This program prepares you for licensure in one of eight content areas:

  • Biology (8–12)
  • Chemistry (8–12)
  • Earth and Space Science (8–12)
  • English (5–12)
  • History (5–12)
  • Mathematics (8–12)
  • Physics (8–12)
  • Social Sciences (5–12)

As of July 1, 2019, English, History, and Social Sciences licenses span grades 5-12.

Graduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus, off-campus, or teacher residency program. *** Beginning Summer 2024, complete your M.Ed. in fewer credits and less time. Check back soon for our new required courses.***

36 Credits
On-Campus Graduate Education Programs

Our on-campus programs are offered in a combination of face-to-face, remote synchronous via Zoom, or asynchronous online courses. Whatever the delivery mode, you'll get the same careful attention and support from our dedicated faculty and staff.

Please contact luadmissions@lesley.edu if you have any questions.

Gain Skills and Expertise
Our high school education program prepares you to:
$86,755
Average salary for teachers in Massachusetts (2021-2022), according to the National Education Association.
#1
Superintendents and other hiring managers across Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, reporting that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. (Source: Radius Global Market Research)
Top Schools
Massachusetts ranks as the best state to be a teacher, with some of the highest performing schools and best salaries in the country, according to US News.
Associate Professor Susan Patterson
Susan Patterson
Susan is the program director for the middle and high school programs in the Graduate School of Education. Having been described as an "unapologetic evangelical for the cause of technology in schools," her focus remains on working with classroom teachers on appropriate technology integration. Susan started her professional career as a middle and high school teacher of history and economics. She lived and worked abroad for 10 years in Israel, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.
The degree employers are looking for.
Lesley graduates go on to rewarding careers in public and private schools, charter schools, and beyond. That's because our programs are ranked #1 for preparing teachers with the skills Massachusetts employers are seeking, including:
Important Licensure Information

All Lesley University educator licensure programs comply with current Massachusetts educational requirements, as specified. In addition, Massachusetts participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, which makes it possible for an educator to have their Massachusetts license/s recognized across the United States. Depending on your professional goals, where you reside or plan to teach, and the licensure structures that exist within that state, there are diverse pathways to licensure that may be relevant. In accordance with Lesley University’s institutional participation in SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and with federal regulations, Lesley University strongly encourages prospective applicants who intend to pursue licensure in a state other than Massachusetts review the Lesley University Licensure and Credentialing page for more information.

Faculty

Total approximate cost for this master's degree program. Tuition and fees are for the 2024-2025 academic year.
High School Education
  • Tuition
    $875/credit x 34
    $29,750
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    Map ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $850
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

  • Tuition
    $875/credit x 34
    $29,750
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    Map ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $850
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

  • Tuition
    $656.25/credit x 34
    $22,313
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    Map ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $850
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

Teacher Residency

Teacher Residency pricing varies from school to school. Contact Graduate Admissions for pricing information at 888.LESLEY.U / 617.349.8300 or luadmissions@lesley.edu.

The Office of Veterans Affairs has determined that Teacher Residency programs are not eligible for Veteran’s Benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.

 

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Your degree is an investment, and we're committed to ensuring its value. That's why we offer the best teacher education in Massachusetts at competitive tuition rates.
We'll help ensure your degree is as affordable as possible. Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.